Manawatu, 4th. Oct. 1860. My dear Mr. McLean, I have not had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you for a considera ble time past, but that I hardly expected, as I know your hands were unusually full of work. I have, however, been rejoiced to learn from other sources that your health has been restored, and that you have been enabled to attend to your many and onerous and important duties. When I first heard of the Conference of Native Chiefs, I was delighted with the idea, and earnestly hoped and prayed that the objects contemplated by His Excellency in convening it would be gained. I am truly thankful to know that you were enabled to conduct it so honorably and successfully. As both the ''Independent'' and ''Spectator'' made an attack on Ihakara and myself in reference to the Otaki petition, I considered it my duty to inform Ihakara of the charges against him, that he might have an opportunity of writing a reply in refutation of them, and also to write an article to each paper in my own defence. I forwarded week's my letters last week. Ihakara's leave by this/mail. He proposes sending a copy to be published in the ''Karere Maori''. Mr. Cook is to forward it. Mr. Turton has not yet arrived here, but is daily expected. Mr. Serancke went up the river yesterday to see the Ngatiwakatere. He left with me for a short time a copy of the signatures to the petition and of the 106 names to the letter complaining of Ihakara and myself for our interference. I commenced with to examine the names to the letter and compare them with/, the signatures to the petition, but had only examined the first 20 when Mr. Serancke called for the copy to take it with him up the river. Of these 20 names, I found on careful examination that - that 2 of them (those of Henere Herekau and Hoani Meihana) were not interfered with - and that only 4 had been marked by us, with a cross, as fictitious. Alongside of those 4 names Mr. Serancke has procured the written attestations of Te Aomarere and Te Moroate to the fact of their beingreally fictitious. The other names must also be examined, and I feel convinced, the result will not be more favorable to a certain party. I noticed Mr. Fox's remarks in the assembly when connecting my name with said petition. I had no idea he had so little self respect as to descend so low. I often feel for His Excellency when he is so fiercely attacked, but doubt but he is sustained and conforted by a consciousness of doing what he believes to be his duty. Mrs. Duncan, girls, and myself intend to leave Manawatu next week to reside at the Hutt for about 6 months. Some time ago, the Rev. Mr. Thom of the Free Church, feeling his health declining and wishing to leave the Hutt brought the matter before his Congregation. On this they invited me to become their Pastor. After considering the subject I engaged to remove to the Hutt and take charge of the congregation for 6 months. This will relieve Mr. Thom, at least for a time and be a beneficial and agreable change to the family who have been little from Manawatu, for the last 12 years. We all unite in kindest regards to you, Yours very truly, James Duncan.